Olympics

Generally low avalanche danger exists in the Olympic mountains. Firm crusts will be a travel challenge during the morning hours before they soften with daytime warming. In western parts of the range, anticipating several inches of recently dry snow shedding off steep, rocky terrain features to produce small avalanches. 

Friday will start cold with strong crusts at or near the surface on most aspects. If you find firm, icy surfaces make sure you are prepared to self-arrest before crossing a steeper slope. Firm slopes are likely to soften as the day progresses and you might find improved riding conditions on many aspects.

Showers were peppering parts of the Olympic range Wednesday afternoon, but Hurricane Ridge didn't pick up anything appreciable.  In areas that did see several inches of snow, cool temperatures may prolong a very shallow shedding cycle for another day. If you see rollerballs or snow/ice falling off rocks or cliffs, expect the potential for these loose wet avalanches to entrain snow in your terrain. Mitigate this problem by avoiding areas where wet avalanches could gain some momentum and push you into unintended terrain such as over a cliff or into rocks/trees.

This cool-down follows an extended mild stretch from 3/21 through 3/29.  During the mild weather of last weekend, NPS rangers noted minimal wet loose avalanche activity in the immediate Hurricane Ridge area, but observed more recent widespread wet loose avalanche activity over in the Bailey Range. 

Below any new snow, you'll find a snowpack in transition from winter to spring in most elevations and aspects with colder drier snow transitioning to larger melt-freeze grains. If you travel to higher shadier aspects, take some time to dig down and examine the upper snowpack structure.  You may still find a layered winter snowpack exists in some areas. 

Be prepared to navigate spring-related travel hazards like open creeks, rocks and trees.

2021-22 Forecast Schedule: Avalanche danger ratings will be issued for the Olympics every Friday through Sunday and during mid-week holidays. During the week when the Hurricane Ridge road is closed, forecast information will be updated daily to include expected conditions and relevant travel advice under the No Rating label.